Isata Sesay, a radiation health physics technician in Environmental Health and Safety, becomes a U.S. citizen.
Each year, more than 800,000 individuals become naturalized citizens of the United States. Recently, the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) Isata Sesay, MS, a radiation health physics technician in Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), raised her right hand and swore an oath of allegiance to the United States. With that solemn act, she completed the final step in a three-year journey to become an American citizen.
Like many great journeys, Sesay’s adventure had its genesis in aspiration, opportunity, and romance.
Isata Esther Sesay was born in Freetown, Sierre Leone, a country on the west coast of Africa known for its vibrant coastline, diverse ecosystems, and rich history.
Education was always an important part of Sesay’s life. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honors in physics from Fourah Bay College and a Master of Science in Radiation and Health Physics from the University of Ibadan Nigeria. She worked as a radiation and health physicist with Sierra Leone’s Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority. In addition, she lectured at the university level.
The Citizenship Journey
Sesay emigrated to the United States as a permanent resident. Because she had always wanted to become an American citizen, she submitted paperwork for U.S. citizenship as soon as she was eligible to do so.
“It was a detailed but meaningful journey — from completing the paperwork and interviews to preparing for the civics test,” she said. “Going through the process deepened my appreciation for the values and responsibilities that come with citizenship.”
When it comes to mechanics of the testing, she described it as “detailed, but also meaningful. It was a journey. Completing the paperwork, of course, and then you have to prepare for interviews, and then you have to take the civics test and the English test, which I passed,” she says, not hiding her pride.
After moving to the United States, she first got a position with a software company. She says it was not a bad job, but she wanted to go back to her chosen field.
“I have a BS in physics, and a master’s in radiation and health physics. Looking back to my time in Sierra Leone, I was lecturing at the university, so I wanted to do something similar. I saw the advertisement for this job, and I applied for this position.”
Sherry Bohn, executive director of EHS, has known Sesay her entire UMB career.
“We are often the last two staff working in the building, and she routinely comes up to my office to check on me before she departs. This is just a small example of how Isata's generous nature is interwoven into our department.
“She is extremely smart, thoughtful, and willing to work harder than anyone around her, but that is often overshadowed by her stubborn grace and gratitude. She is also surprising and should not be underestimated. She can tangibly uplift the morale of a room, be it 20 or 200, with her honest and heartfelt commentary on the assistance granted by a staff member or a team, or the energetic celebration of EHS' efforts."
According to Bohn, it can be easy for managers and colleagues to recognize many of the top-level challenges that immigrants face. But she suggests taking a step back and considering many of the other systems we may take for granted.
“I cannot imagine the entirety of the struggles our international staff face, but I can speak to a few I have noticed and navigated with Isata. One seems simple — transportation. When Isata started with UMB, she did not have a driver's license, and this caused her to use rideshare services every day, at a significant cost. We modified her schedule to be 4-10s [four days with 10-hour shifts] so she could save a day's worth of commuting cost. We also celebrated with her as she passed her written test, practiced driving, received her license, began driving to a train station, and then finally was comfortable to drive into the city herself. Non-U.S. born employees can struggle with the office rules, policies, and social norms all while being hesitant to ask for help from those around them.
“Simple mistakes or missteps can impact a perception of their technical abilities, and it is very difficult to overcome these impressions. Additionally, navigating illness and injuries within the workplace can be stressful, as these employees may not want to appear weak or unsure of what resources are available. Isata's persistence, willingness to dig deep and prove her competence, and incredible positive outlook have served her well through these challenges."
Bohn added, “I encourage any supervisor, and especially those of non-citizens, to take the time to learn about what their staff are managing in order to show up to work and be productive. Ask very pointed questions such as ‘Monday is Labor Day. Do you understand how holiday leave works?’ as it provides an opening to assess their familiarity with a complicated system, and often invites further discussion and questions."
Bohn encourages any supervisor, and especially those of non-citizens, to take the time to learn about what their staff are managing in order to show up to work and be productive.
Edward Case, Sesay’s immediate supervisor, started around the same time she did. Like Bohn, he also encouraged others to lead with curiosity when it comes to employees from different backgrounds.
“Coming on board at a research university like ours is inevitably challenging for a non-citizen, even with the diversity measures we have in place here at UMB. There’s a lot that takes place ‘below the waterline’ that we never see ourselves as citizens,” Case said.
“There is always the adjustment of being separated from family and friends from their country of origin. There’s the getting used to cultural norms and social cues that we accept as automatic.”
Yet with all of the challenges Sesay faced during her journey, Case points out that Sesay is always looking out for others.
“Isata is a bright, kind, and very thoughtful person,” he said. “She makes sure to reach out and check on all of us in the morning. She is conscientious as a worker and driven toward professional and departmental improvement. She’s always a source of good ideas.
“Her success is a testament to the determination demonstrated by immigrants like Isata that these obstacles are overcome and it serves them well in their careers going forward.”
Nearing the Finish Line
After a few years, Sesay was able to start the rest of the wheels in motion. These are the parts that most people are familiar with: the applications, the interviews, the civics questions.
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the final steps: turn in your Permanent Resident Card (green card), take the Oath of Allegiance to become a U.S. citizen, then receive the Certificate of Naturalization.
Fittingly, Sesay’s ceremony took place in Baltimore. “It was a proud and emotional moment that I’ll never forget,” she said. “The UMB community has been incredibly kind and supportive. Colleagues, mentors, and friends have reached out with congratulations and genuine excitement, which has made this moment even more special.”
When asked what being a citizen means to her, Sesay replied, “It means belonging, having a voice, and the opportunity to contribute fully to a country that has become my new home. It also honors the support and journey I’ve had with my husband and family.”
At a time when it’s not easy to be an immigrant, Sesay offers full support of the American melting pot and what that stands for.
“America is just accepting of people for who they are, which is very important,” she said. “It’s so open and kind and accepting of different cultures. So many different cultures. But the mere fact that you came from different places … and now you’re here to accept them for who they are, just as they accepted you.”
The Journey Continues
Sesay had advice for anyone wanting to become a naturalized citizen. “Be patient with the process,” she said. “Stay organized, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or encouragement along the way. It may feel long at times, but the sense of accomplishment and belonging at the end is well worth it.”
With her journey to citizenship complete, Sesay already has started many more.
She recently went to Texas to represent UMB at PATRAM 2025 (Packaging and Transport of Radioactive Materials). And she is pursuing her Master of Science in Data Analytics from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
And she plans to seize any opportunities that become available to her, which is at the core of how she sees herself as an American.
“I love the diversity, the access to opportunities,” she said. “Every day you’re here is a chance for you to grow, to develop, to connect, and to make an impact in whatever way you can. I find it keeps you motivated and grateful for what you have.”